“I’ll always be careful with you, Shannon like the river.” Exhaling a shaky breath, he tucked my hair behind my ears and cupped my face in his hands. “I promise.”

If I could lay her cuts and bruises over my skin, I would.

If we’re eating together, I’m feeding you.”

“Hi, Johnny,” she whispered, tumbling off the door step as she clung to me. “You came back.”

I wasn’t entirely sure how to navigate, but the feelings she evoked from me were addictive. Fuck addictive, I was obsessed with my girlfriend. I was in so deep with her that I could hardly breathe and still I jumped in deeper, pushed down further, wanted more and took it, doing whatever I could to just be with her.

“Never,” she laughed. “It’s mine. You gave it to me, and I’m not giving it back.” Like my fucking heart?

“For the last time, I am not fat,” Gibsie growled. “I’m big-boned. There’s a huge difference.”

She…sacrificed herself for those kids. For me…” “Shit,” he whispered.

Kissing her was different because there were feelings involved. Big, huge, terrifying fucking feelings that I knew she felt, too. It was different because it mattered—because we mattered to each other.